MA C135 Multiplayer Online Game Design

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores the concepts and techniques of distributed multi-user game programming and design for electronic game production. Topics include: the use of DirectX, Direct3D, and Win32 in multi-user game design; network performance bottleneck issues in multi-user game design; cooperative client/server design to optimize available bandwidth; and the history and future projections of multi-user game design.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Compare standalone and multi-user game engines.
2. Contrast the history and future of multi-user game design.
3. Construct a basic multi-user game engine structure using Direct3D and DirectX with
   C++.
4. Compare the use of stock multi-user game engines with DirectX and with a front-end
   visual game design tool in the multi-user game development process.
5. Appraise the use of client/server principles in multi-user game programming and
   design, especially to optimize available bandwidth, considering network latency,
   bottlenecks, and network security.
6. Assess the real-time and algorithmic issues of the simulation of physics and artificial
   intelligence in multi-user game design.
7. Relate the issues of developing a virtual community to support a multi-user game.
8. Evaluate existing multi-user games using consistent, well-considered criteria.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. Introduction
   1. History of Multi-User Game Programming and Design
   2. Current Trends and Future Projections
      
2. Multi-User Game Programming and Design Performance Issues
   1. The Network Latency Bottleneck and Solutions
   2. Server Overload and Distributed Servers
   3. Tracking Multiple User Attributes and Acceptable Synchronization
      
3. Multi-User Game Programming and Design Techniques
   1. DirectX
   2. Direct3D
   3. Win32 Programming
   4. WindowsCE SDK
   5. Java
   6. Stock Distributed Multi-User Game Engines
   7. Front-End Visual Game Design Tools
      
4. Application
   1. Developing a Virtual Community to Support a Multi-User Game.
   2. Successful Multi-user Game Features

READINGS

Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus by Andre Lamothe, MacMillian Publishing Company.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading Assignments: The textbook reading assignments will be discussed in
   class in order to assist the student in developing a sequential theoretical
   understanding of the techniques and processes required to accomplish the
   computer based laboratory assignments.
2. Typical Writing Assignments: Write a critique of a commercial multi-user
   game design.
3. Typical Outside Assignments: Research current trends in the industry, or visit
   a production studio and observe the processes of multi-user game design and
   programming.

TYPICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

Students will be evaluated based on critiques, game design projects, written quizzes, and a written exam. In order to achieve a grade of "C" in this course, the student must complete all assigned design projects.

Typical evaluation criteria may include:

Multi-User Game Critiques 10%
Multi-User Game Projects 50%
Quizzes 30%
Final Exam. 10%
Total 100 %

A typical grading scale is:

90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F

10.25.2000

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